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D-backs, Goldschmidt agree to five-year extension

Deal worth $32 million; club has $14.5 million option for 2019

MLB.com analyst Jim Duquette breaks down Paul Goldschmidt's five-year contract extension with the D-backs and how the club looks this season

By Steve Gilbert
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MLB.com |

PHOENIX -- Regardless of the different ways he was asked about it Friday night, D-backs first baseman Paul Goldschmidt was not about to talk about the five-year, $32 million contract extension he and the D-backs have agreed to.

Both the D-backs and Goldschmidt have declined to comment on the negotiations or even confirm they were taking place. An announcement is expected on Saturday.

The deal would cover all of Goldschmidt's arbitration years, as well as his first year of free agency. The club could grab another year of his free agency if it exercises a $14.5 million option for 2019.

"Just so you all know, I can't talk about it," Goldschmidt told reporters prior to Friday night's exhibition game against the Reds. "I can't talk about anything. Obviously there's rumors out there. If something happens, then I'll be able to say something about it. But right now, nothing is final or official or anything like that, so I don't really have too much to say."

While not commenting on the extension specifically, D-backs manager Kirk Gibson did not hesitate to praise Goldschmidt.

"What's not to like?" Gibson said. "He's very good at preparation, before, during the game and after. He's a great teammate. He works really hard. He has high expectations. He has high aspirations to be a world champion. He wants to win a Gold Glove. He would never change. He'll never change until he stops playing. We've talked about the 'Diamondback Way' the last couple of years several times and he's the model Diamondback guy. The model guy."

The humble Goldschmidt seemed almost embarrassed when told of Gibson's comments.

"Those are big words to live up to," he said. "We've got a lot of great guys around here, so I just try to learn from the guys that have been around."

Catcher Miguel Montero saw all the reporters crowded around Goldschmidt's locker and said with a big smile, "Oh, you guys are talking to the rich guy."

Goldschmidt, 25, hit .286 with 43 doubles, 20 homers and 82 RBIs last season, his first full big league campaign.

Goldschmidt was first called to the Majors on Aug. 1, 2011, and quickly became a favorite among the coaching staff for his approach to the game.

"You guys all know what it means to the team," Gibson said. "For them to even have conversations about [an extension], he's got, what, a year and a half in the Major Leagues. Really, position players don't get locked up like that. I think it speaks for itself, the fact that could even be a possibility to happen."

Steve Gilbert is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @SteveGilbertMLB. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.